Fioch

Fioch is a period of four days marking the transition from one year to the next. It allows for each month in the calendar year to be of exact equal length, and for Tanerans to experience a liminal space to process the preceding year and prepare for the one to come.  

History

Fioch in its current form was established along with the Taneran Common Calendar during the reign of Orthod the Uniter, though some of the rituals associated with it predate The Flood.   Like the calendar, common language and various other points of culture in present day Tanera, Fioch is celebrated in some form across the continent, though the version found south of The Bremen Wilds has more significant differences to that found across the kingdoms of the north.   While religious communities may tailor celebrations to their beliefs, it is a secular festival.  

Execution

Though the traditions differ, the same broad structure to the festival is as follows:  

• 1st Day. The giving of gifts; reunions, the welcoming and settling of those who have travelled to attend festivities.
• 2nd & 3rd Days. Celebrations and parties, as a community and/or smaller groups. There will usually be a centrally organised party or evening meal on each day which the whole community can join for all or part. There is often a reckless, free air to these celebrations, with a sense of events being confined to this short period, a time apart from the calendar year. Alcohol and food are commonly consumed in excess, and good-natured pranks are not unusual.
• 4th Day. The swearing of oaths; plans for the future; the observance of goodbyes both literal and metaphorical.

  The gifts given on the first day are traditionally those that might be considered useful or relevant to the giftee's plans for the coming year, and can be practical or symbolic. In most communities there are no strict rules as to who should give and receive gifts, and the tradition is generally only observed between families and friends, though other relationships (apprentice/teacher, for example) may be included.   The oath-making ceremony on the fourth day is usually a fairly grand affair, and oaths made at the ceremony are done so in front of the whole community. Participants can set intetions, make a vow (with marriage proposals and engagements not being uncommon), or commit themselves to a specific way of life (such as entering a religious order or accepting an apprenticeship).   The ceremony is centred on a point of interest   The oath-making is not compulsory, and many choose to make oaths in smaller household ceremonies instead of or in addition to the public ceremony.  

Components & Tools

Drinks, food.  

Participants & Key Roles

 

Observance

Holmir.